You are really interested in having a life in the US but are confused in the first place about selecting a proper Visa!!
Exploring the U.S. visa system can feel like stepping into a maze with various paths, requirements, and outcomes. With over 185 types of visas, each tailored to different needs, finding the best fit might feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down the essentials, from student and work visas to family and business options, helping you understand which U.S. visa aligns best with your goals. Let’s jump in, especially if you’re eyeing higher studies as an international student!
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the U.S. Department of State issued approximately 10.4 million temporary (nonimmigrant) visas, marking an increase from 6.8 million in FY 2022 and 8.7 million in FY 2019.(Migration Policy Institute)
U.S. Visa Landscape
U.S. visas generally fall into two categories: non-immigrant (for temporary stays) and immigrant (for permanent residency). Within these categories, the visa types cover purposes ranging from work and study to family reunification and investment.
Here are some of the most common visa categories to give you a high-level view:
- Work Visas (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1)
- Student Visas (e.g., F1, M1, J1)
- Family and Dependent Visas (e.g., F2, H4, K1, IR visas)
- Business and Investment Visas (e.g., B1/B2, EB-5)
Let’s dive deep, especially into student visas, as that’s often a top focus for international aspirants coming to the U.S.
Student Visas
F1 Visa
If you’re aiming for a full-time academic experience and wish to take advantage of work programs, F1 is for you. It’s the most flexible student visa, especially if your goal is both academic and professional development in the U.S. The F1 visa is designed for students enrolling in academic programs at U.S. institutions like universities, colleges, and even high schools.
Why Choose F1?
- Academic Freedom:
With an F1, you can pick from any accredited school—whether you’re eyeing a big university, a small college, or even a high school.
- Work Options:
F1 lets you work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during school, which is a nice perk (and a chance to earn some spending money). On top of that, you can dive into OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training) to gain work experience in your field.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training):
This post-grad work opportunity lets you work in your area of study for up to 12 months, with an extra 24-month STEM extension for tech, science, and engineering grads. Translation: up to 3 years of hands-on experience in the U.S. before you need to think about what’s next.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training):
Think of this as work experience baked into your degree program. CPT lets you work while still studying if your program requires hands-on training. Offers work opportunities related to your major, often required as part of your program.
F1 Visa by the Numbers
Over 900,000 F1 visa holders were studying in the U.S. in 2023, making it one of the most common visas for international students.
- Application Cost: The SEVIS fee is $350, plus a $160 application fee.
- Approval Rate: Around 84% of applicants were approved, though rates vary by country.
Who is the F1 Visa Best For?
If your goal is a full-time academic program and you like the idea of combining study with real-world work, F1 is a no-brainer. It’s the most flexible and lets you grow academically and professionally in a way that no other student visa really does.
For details: Complete F1 Visa Guide for Studying in the USA
M1 Visa
(For Vocational Studies)
The M1 visa is like F1’s practical cousin, but it's less about university life and more for hands-on, technical programs. Think trade schools, tech institutes, or any vocational study program.
Why Choose M1?
- Focused Programs:
Ideal if your goal is a technical skill or certification rather than a university degree.M1 is great for people who want to learn a specialized skill—like automotive technology, culinary arts, or graphic design—that doesn’t necessarily lead to a college degree.
- Hands-On Training:
M1 lets you focus more on practice than theory, and while you can participate in practical training after your program ends, M1 doesn’t offer the same on-campus work flexibility that F1 does.
M1 Visa by the Numbers
Far less common than the F1, with under 100,000 M1 holders are there in 2023.Same as F1, with a $350 SEVIS fee and $160 application fee.
Choose M1 if your focus is on technical, hands-on fields rather than traditional academia.
J1 Visa
(For Exchange Programs)
The J1 visa is all about short-term, immersive cultural exchanges. You can use it for study, internships, or even research, but the focus is on blending work and cultural experiences.
Why Choose J1?
- Work Flexibility:
J1 is pretty flexible with work; depending on your program, you might be able to work on- or off-campus. And, you get to meet people from all over the world, which makes it unique!
- Cultural Exchange Focus:
J1 isn’t just about studying—it’s about soaking up American culture, learning new perspectives, and building relationships.
J1 Visa Stat
Roughly 300,000 J1 participants enter the U.S. each year by J1. SEVIS fee varies from $180 to $350, depending on the program.
If you’re interested in a short-term, immersive experience with work and cultural exchange elements, J1 is a great choice.
Also Check: US Visa Interview Preparation
Dependent Visas
F2 Visa
(Dependents of F1 Holders)
Bringing family along on your F1? The F2 visa is specifically for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of F1 visa holders..
F2 Visa Limitations
F2 visa holders can’t work and have restricted study options—only part-time, non-degree programs are allowed. It’s a bit limiting, but if your family wants to be with you, it’s a good choice.
J2 Visa
(Dependents of J1 Holders)
Similar to F2 but for J1 visa holders, J2 allows family members to accompany the primary visa holder.
Advantage of J2
Unlike F2, J2 allows spouses to apply for work authorization, so they can be more financially independent..
Other Key Visa Types
H-1B Visa
(Specialized Work Visa)
For those looking to stay in the U.S. professionally, the H1B visa is the mainstay for high-skilled, specialized workers.
If you have a job offer in a specialized field—think IT, engineering, healthcare—this could be your route to the U.S. H1B visas are in high demand, and with a cap of 85,000 visas a year, they’re competitive.
H-1B Visa Stats
Around 85,000 visas are granted annually, with tens of thousands of applications. H-1B workers earned a median wage of $108,000 in 2023.
H4 Visa
(Dependents of H-1B Holders)
H4 is for dependents of H-1B holders and allows spouses and children under 21 to live in the U.S.
Spouses of H-1B holders may be eligible for work authorization if the H-1B holder is on the path to a green card.
B1/B2 Visa
(Tourist and Business)
These visas are for short-term business (B1) or tourism (B2) visits to the U.S.
If your goal is a short visit for business, tourism, or visiting family, this visa offers flexibility for stays up to six months. It is perfect if you’re only planning a brief visit, whether for tourism, short business trips, or visiting loved ones. This is not for students or work—it’s strictly for short-term purposes.
Get insights: The Importance of Understanding USA Visa Principles
How to Choose the Right Visa for You
1. Assess Your Primary Goal
- For Students: F1, M1, or J1 are your top choices.
- For Work: H-1B is the go-to for specialized fields.
- For Family: F2 or J2, depending on the primary visa.
2. Consider Your Family’s Needs
- Bringing family? Check whether your visa allows dependent visas like F2 or J2.
3. Think Long-Term
- Many non-immigrant visas lead to permanent residency options. If your goal is a long-term settlement, prioritize visas like H-1B, F1 (through employment), or family-sponsored pathways.
4. Budget for Visa Costs and Fees
- Visa fees add up. Plan ahead to manage SEVIS, application, and any additional program fees.
5. Keep Track of Processing Times
- Each visa has different wait times. Students, for instance, should apply for F1 visas well in advance to accommodate SEVIS processing and interview slots.
Glimpse of All Visas
1. Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Stay)
These visas are for people planning to stay in the U.S. temporarily for specific purposes, like tourism, study, work, or cultural exchange.
A. Visitor & Tourist Visas
- B1: Business Visitors (for short business trips, conferences, etc.)
- B2: Tourist Visitors (for tourism, vacation, family visits, etc.)
- B1/B2: Combined Business and Tourism Visa
B. Student Visas
- F1: Academic Student Visa (for universities, colleges, high schools)
- F2: Dependents of F1 Visa Holders (spouses and children)
- M1: Vocational or Technical Student Visa (for non-academic programs)
- M2: Dependents of M1 Visa Holders
- J1: Exchange Visitor Visa (for cultural exchange, internships, short-term study, research)
- J2: Dependents of J1 Visa Holders
C. Employment Visas
- H1B: Specialized Workers (for skilled professionals in fields like IT, engineering)
- H1B1: Free Trade Agreement Professional (Chile and Singapore)
- H2A: Agricultural Workers (for seasonal agricultural jobs)
- H2B: Non-Agricultural Workers (for seasonal work outside agriculture)
- H3: Trainee (for training programs not offered in the applicant's home country)
- H4: Dependents of H Visa Holders
D. Exchange & Cultural Visas
- Q1: Cultural Exchange Program Visa (for practical training, employment, and sharing of culture)
E. Trade & Investment Visas
- E1: Treaty Traders (for nationals of countries with commerce treaties with the U.S.)
- E2: Treaty Investors (for nationals of countries with investment treaties)
- E3: Specialty Occupation Visa for Australian Nationals
F. Temporary Work Visas
- L1: Intracompany Transferee (for managers/executives transferring within a company)
- L2: Dependents of L1 Visa Holders
- O1: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (for fields like arts, sciences, athletics)
- O2: Assistants of O1 Visa Holders
- O3: Dependents of O1 and O2 Holders
- P1: Athletes and Entertainers (individuals or teams with international recognition)
- P2: Performers under Reciprocal Exchange Programs
- P3: Artists or Entertainers under Culturally Unique Programs
- P4: Dependents of P Visa Holders
- R1: Religious Workers (for those working in a religious capacity in the U.S.)
- R2: Dependents of R1 Visa Holders
G. Media & Government Visas
- I: Representatives of Foreign Media (journalists, press, etc.)
- A1/A2/A3: Diplomats, Foreign Government Officials, and Staff
- G1-G5: Representatives of International Organizations and their staff
- NATO Visas: NATO officials and personnel
2. Immigrant Visas (Permanent Stay/Green Card)
These visas lead to permanent residency and are meant for individuals seeking to live in the U.S. indefinitely.
A. Family-Based Visas
- IR-1: Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
- IR-2: Unmarried Child (under 21) of a U.S. Citizen
- IR-3: Orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. Citizen
- IR-4: Orphan to be adopted in the U.S. by a U.S. Citizen
- IR-5: Parent of a U.S. Citizen (who is at least 21)
- F1: Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens
- F2A: Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
- F2B: Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
- F3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens (who are at least 21)
B. Employment-Based Visas
- EB-1: Priority Workers (extraordinary ability, researchers, executives)
- EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
- EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
- EB-4: Special Immigrants (religious workers, broadcasters, armed forces members, etc.)
- EB-5: Immigrant Investors (significant capital investment in U.S. business)
C. Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery)
- DV-1: Diversity Visa (for nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.)
Check: What Should You Do After Accepting Your Visa?
3. Special & Humanitarian Visas
These are typically for unique or urgent circumstances.
A. Refugee and Asylum Visas
- Refugee Visa: For individuals fleeing persecution from their home country
- Asylum Visa: For individuals seeking protection after entering the U.S.
B. Special Cases
- T Visa: For victims of human trafficking
- U Visa: For victims of criminal activity who assist law enforcement
- S Visa: For witnesses or informants assisting U.S. law enforcement
FAQs
1. What is the difference between F1 and J1 visas for students?
- F1 is ideal for full-time academic studies at U.S. institutions and allows for both Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- J1 is intended for exchange programs and includes internships, training, and research opportunities. Some J1 visas require participants to return to their home country for two years before applying for other U.S. visas.
2. Can F2 dependents work or study in the U.S.?
- F2 visa holders cannot engage in paid employment, though they may participate in volunteer work. They are allowed to study part-time or take non-degree courses, but full-time academic enrollment isn’t permitted.
3. How long can I stay in the U.S. on an F1 visa after completing my studies?
- F1 visa holders can remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after program completion. However, if you apply for OPT, you may extend your stay for up to 12 months (with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates).
4. What is the difference between H1B and O1 visas?
- H1B is for specialized workers in fields like IT, engineering, or healthcare and has a yearly cap on the number of visas granted.
- O1 is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their fields, such as arts, sciences, and sports, and does not have a numerical cap.
5. Can M1 visa holders apply for OPT or CPT?
- No, M1 visa holders cannot apply for OPT or CPT. They can only participate in a limited period of practical training directly related to their studies, usually following program completion.
6. Can H4 visa holders work in the U.S.?
- Spouses of H1B visa holders on H4 visas may be eligible for work authorization if the H1B holder is in the process of obtaining a green card. This work authorization is not automatically granted and must be applied for separately.
7. What are the requirements for the J1 visa’s two-year home residency rule?
- Some J1 visa holders must return to their home country for at least two years before applying for another U.S. visa. This requirement applies if you participated in a government-funded program, your field is in a U.S. critical skills list, or there are certain exchange program stipulations.
8. Is it possible to change from an F1 visa to a work visa after graduation?
- Yes, many students change their status from F1 to an H1B or O1 work visa. You must secure a job offer from a sponsoring employer and go through the application process, which typically includes the employer filing on your behalf.
9. Can I bring family members on a B1/B2 tourist visa while studying on an F1?
- Family members can accompany you on B1/B2 tourist visas, but these are for short-term stays only. They would need to re-enter the U.S. periodically, as these visas don’t provide long-term residence options.
10. How early can I apply for an F1 visa before my program starts?
- You can apply up to 120 days before the start date of your academic program. However, you may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program begins.